The Best Patio Furniture (And How to Shop for It)

Our initial research in rounded up 33 dining sets representing a promising balance of cost, features, and design. We whittled down that list by examining online reviews and, in some cases, talking to people who owned the furniture sets. We made trips to Home Depot and IKEA to examine sets in person and witness how shoppers reacted to them in the stores. Then we ordered three dining sets and timed how long it took to assemble them in a Los Angeles backyard. For our update, we ordered another two dining sets and assembled them in another Los Angeles backyard. During both tests, we examined screws, joints, and the apparent quality of construction. And, over the course of several weeks, we paid attention to how comfortable the dining sets were for different purposes, asking visitors to compare the comfort of the seats and the overall aesthetics of the sets. In June , we researched six more patio dining sets. Due to testing limitations during the pandemic, we were not able to assemble these new sets at home. So we narrowed our search to dining sets that we could touch and analyze at big-box stores, that had great reviews at the time, and that were eligible for return or exchange. In , we expanded our research to direct-to-consumer brands&#;like Article, Blu Dot, and Neighbor&#;and added larger dining sets and new outdoor living room options, such as sofas and lounge chairs.

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We tapped interior designers and conducted market research to determine the best places to buy patio furniture. The experts endorsed some of their personal favorites and also answered our questions, like when to shop for furniture and what materials are their personal favorites. Keep scrolling to learn more about all the retailers worthy of your business and your outdoor space.

Ready to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your patio? Whether you need a dining table and chairs to accompany your outdoor kitchen or a comfortable conversation set for lounging, the market is full of options to meet your style and budget needs.

Frontgate

View on Frontgate

Pros

• Discounts and/or free shipping are often offered when purchasing a full set of furniture or spending a minimum amount. 

Cons

• You have a short return or exchange window if you are not in love with your purchase.

  
  

A Product We Love: Palermo 7-Piece Rectangular Dining Set

Frontgate&#;s huge collection of outdoor furniture offers something to fit every home style, plus, it has plenty of accessories, like furniture covers, planters, and umbrellas, to complete your patio. The pieces feel heavy-duty yet luxurious, and there are free fabric swatches available in dozens of colors and patterns, so you can seamlessly match your desired design scheme before purchasing. 

If you&#;re located in Texas or Georgia, you can visit one of its in-person locations to test things out. And in case something is wrong with your order or you have a question, you can contact the customer service team via , , or live chat.

• Shipping Cost: Starts at $149 within the contiguous United States, based on the merchandise total.
• Shipping Time: 2-3 weeks
• Return Policy: If an item is returned for an issue other than defect or damage, shipping and handling fees are non-refundable and a return pickup fee (min. $100) applies.
• Return Window: 7 days

Wayfair

View on Wayfair

Pros

• Shipping is free with most orders over $35.

Cons

• Products must be disassembled to be returned.

A Product We Love: Gracie Oaks Vana Solid Wood 4-Person Seating Group

Wayfair is one of the most popular sites for furniture and home goods for a reason. You can take your pick of shopping by style, budget, material, or even seating capacity on its easy-to-navigate website or browse through its curated collections and guides to find the exact set that fits your vision. 

There are a variety of delivery options available to fit your needs, ranging from basic curbside to all-inclusive delivery that includes assembly and packaging removal. If you&#;re not satisfied with your purchase, items must be disassembled and in their original packaging to be returned or exchanged within 30 days.

• Shipping Cost: Orders over $35 qualify for free shipping within the contiguous United States.
• Shipping Time: 1-8 business days
• Return Policy: Items must be disassembled and in their original packaging. 
• Return Window: 30 days

Yardbird

View on Yardbird.com

Pros

• One-on-one complimentary calls are available with an in-house designer for shopping guidance and assistance.

Cons

• There is a steep return cost, and items must be repackaged as it was when delivered.

A Product We Love: Langdon Outdoor Fire Pit Table Set

From modular sectional sets with flexible configuration options to loveseat sets and more, Yardbird lets you pick and choose from a variety of collections that are equally as stylish as they are comfortable. Materials options include wicker, aluminum, and teak, with various upholstery colors available, and perfectly fitted covers that keep your pieces safe all year round. Free fabric and frame swatches are available to help make your decision even easier. 

Still not sure where to start? Schedule a complimentary one-on-one call with an in-house designer, or visit a showroom in several major cities to get assistance choosing the right pieces for you.

• Shipping Cost: $80 flat shipping for curbside furniture delivery, $80 white glove delivery within showroom delivery zone, and $250 national white glove delivery. 
• Shipping Time: Most in-stock items ship within 3 weeks; delivery window selection is available. 
• Return Policy: Returns are subject to a return shipping cost of $250 plus a 5% processing fee.
• Return Window: 30 days

9 Patio Dining Sets for an Outdoor Entertaining Upgrade

Crate & Barrel

View on Crate & Barrel

Pros

• Crate & Barrel offers a large selection of cooking tools and accessories to go complete your outdoor space.

Cons

• Depending on the time of year, items may be available for pre-order only.

A Product We Love: Walker 2-Piece Right-Arm Chaise Metal Outdoor Sectional Sofa

From patio furniture to entertaining essentials like cookware, fire pits, and pillows, think of Crate & Barrel as a one-stop shop for all things outdoor living. In addition to large dining and conversation sets, you can find stackable and sleek pieces for small patios and balconies made from sturdy aluminum frames and sustainable wood. It's also the place to go to shop for bar stools and tables.

Interior designer Laura Hodges appreciates Crate & Barrel&#;s outdoor offerings &#;because they have a great mix of styles and price points.&#; If you want items to arrive as soon as possible, shop in their quick ship and in-stock collection to see what&#;s readily available.

• Shipping Cost: Based on merchandise total, local and long-distance in-home options are available.
• Shipping Time: 3-5 business days standard, premium, and express available
• Return Policy: New and unused with valid proof of purchase; shipping and handling fees are non-refundable.
• Return Window: 30 days

Outer

View on Liveouter.com

Pros

• They have a focus on sustainability and a longer return window than most retailers.

Cons

• White glove delivery and expedited shipping are not offered.

A Product We Love: Brown Wicker Outdoor Sofa with Armless Chairs 

Outer has a modern selection of furniture pieces that you can browse by material: wicker, aluminum, or teak. From chairs and ottomans to sofas and sectionals to outdoor dining sets, all of the products are stylish, versatile, and durable. Protect your furniture with Outer&#;s covers, and keep bugs at bay while dining al fresco with lightweight throw blankets made with odorless Insect Shield technology. Connect with a product specialist during a free 15-minute consultation via call or live video to answer questions or learn more about the company&#;s offerings.

• Shipping Cost: $175 for seating orders under $3,000 or free delivery on non-seating products and seating orders over $3,000
• Shipping Time: In-stock orders typically ship within 2-3 weeks
• Return Policy: Free return shipping within 14 days of delivery, 20% return fee plus the cost of return shipping within 365 days of delivery
• Return Window: Up to 365 days

Pottery Barn

View on Pottery Barn

View on Pottery Barn

Pros

• It offers a timeless collection of outdoor furniture designed to last for years to come.

Cons

• Pottery Barn does not offer any furniture warranties.

A Product We Love: Santa Ana Dining Set

Interior stylist Cassandra LaValle says Pottery Barn is one of her &#;go-to sources for outdoor pieces that I know will be high quality,&#; and it&#;s easy to see why. There are more than 45 all-weather performance upholstery options, from classic shades of cream and blue to colors with stripes and piping, and several different subcategories in the outdoor section that make your shopping experience easier, such as the bestsellers shop and in-stock section. 

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